St. Francis hospital Nsambya Training school which started in 1921 has been training Nurses, Midwives and Laboratory Technicians at both certificate and diploma. Conversely, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya had developed specialties in the clinical care services in all departments i.e. Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics/ Gynecology, Pediatrics, Oncology and Public health. There was need to match these services with graduate Nurses who would have been prepared at a higher level of practice leadership and Mentorship in all health care settings.
It was deemed necessary to upgrade to bachelor programs; thus two curricular were developed for the bachelor in nursing science (BNS) and bachelor in midwifery science (BMS). National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) approved the two programs and in October 2017, the two programs were started.
This has given nurses and midwives the opportunity to advance their career without leaving their jobs. It is a part time program which runs on two days (Thursday and Friday/ Friday and Saturday) a week for a period of 3 years whereas the degrees are awarded by Uganda Martyrs University. This year we mark 5 years since
their their inception. Currently, the the pioneers have qualified and we have 3 cohorts on the program.
Admission requirements
Applicants should have the following:
1. Diploma in any of the following: Nursing, Midwifery, Mental health, Public health, Medical education and Pediatrics from a recognized institution.
2. A minimum of 2 years’ working experience in a hospital or health center IV.
3. Currently registered with the relevant professional council.
Note that: The applicant must pass an entry interview (both written and oral).
I thank Uganda Martyr’s University for overseeing the successful implementation of the program.
Ms. Namukasa Jane Frances
Coordinator BNS/BMS Program
